Schools, Singing

Schools, Singing The high estimation in which singers were held in the ancient Church appears from the institution of schools for their instruction and training, and the great attention which was paid to these schools and their presidents. Such schools were established as early as the 6th century, and became common in various parts of Europe, particularly in France and Germany. The most celebrated was that founded at Rome by Gregory the Great, which was the model of many others afterwards established. From these schools originated the famous Gregorian chant, a plain system of church music, which the choir and people sang in unison. The prior or principal of these schools was a man of considerable dignity and influence in the Church. The name of this officer at Rome was archicantor ecclesioe Romanoe, and elsewhere primicerius (or prior) scholoe cantorum. See Coleman, Christ. Antiq. p. 124; Riddle, Christ. Antiq. p. 307. SEE SINGING.